END OF ERA FOR FANTA BALE

One of the greatest careers in Australian greyhound racing has come to an end with Fanta Bale being retired.

Australian greyhound racing’s all-time highest prize money winner and most accomplished group one winner pulled up lame in the heat of the Association Cup at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

After consulting with leading greyhound vet Dr Alistair Smith, trainer Robert Britton decided to bring an end to her illustrious career.

Britton said even though the injury was not serious, the time was right to make the call to end her time as a racing greyhound. “While it is relatively minor and she will make a full recovery, considering her age and what she has achieved we have decided to retire her,” Britton said.

The daughter of David Bale and Ucme Typhoon retires with a record $1,365,175 in prize money. She won 42 of her 63 career starts, contesting 22 group finals, winning 13 including a record nine at group 1 level.

Widely regarded as one of the sport’s most versatile chasers, she is the only greyhound in history to win a group one race over the sprint, middle and stayers trips.

FANTA BALE’S FACTFILE

Bk. B. August ’14 by David Bale /Ucme Typhoon

Trainer:                                Robert Britton

Owner/breeder:              Paul Wheeler

Career Record:                  63 starts. 42-9-5

Prizemoney:                      $1,365,175 (record)

Group race victories:      13 (record)

Group 1 victories:            9 (record)

2016 Hume Cup (600m), The Meadows

2017 Rookie Rebel (600m), The Meadows

2017 Australian Cup (525m), The Meadows

2017 Sandown Cup (715m), Sandown Park

2017 Gold Cup (710m), Albion Park

2017 National Distance Championship (710m), Albion Park

2017 Bold Trease (715m), Sandown Park

2018 Zoom Top (725m), The Meadows

2018 Super Stayers (725m), The Meadows